Officer-related shooting in Port Arthur

An officer responding to a family disturbance shot and killed a suspect who was brandishing a knife and reportedly threatened officers at a residence in the 3800 block of 29th Street on Friday, Nov. 1.

According to a news release from PAPD, upon their arrival at the residence on 29th Street, Officers Donald Suarez and Kacey Frank encountered Rosa Elvira Flores-Lopez, a 50-year-old Port Arthur residence with history of mental illness and minor assault charges, who was armed with a knife. Officers report they repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the knife, but she refused to comply. Even after officers deployed a Taser, the suspect raised and extended the knife toward them threateningly, the release stated. Officer Frank then reportedly fired at the suspect, striking her in the arm holding the knife and penetrating her chest. She died at the scene.

The incident is being investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department criminal investigation division, internal affairs and the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office. Justice of the Peace Mark DeRouen ordered an autopsy. Police are taking statements from members of the household and neighbors. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation per department policy.

While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us “that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas,” we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We’re of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.